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Tests crumple Vue's left rear wheel

By Jeff Plungis, Detroit News Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON  Federal safety regulators are investigating the Saturn Vue sport-utility vehicle after the SUV's suspension failed in two separate government rollover tests.

The Saturn Vue has been a strong part of Saturn's lineup.

Wieck

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation of the Saturn SUV produced for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 model years. The agency estimates there are 227,303 vehicles affected by the potential defect.

On June 18, NHTSA ran a four-wheel drive version of the Vue through its rollover avoidance test at a test facility in East Liberty, Ohio. According to the agency, the SUV's left rear suspension failed during a 45-mph test maneuver, causing the left rear wheel to collapse beneath the vehicle.

During a similar test using a two-wheel drive model, the left rear suspension of the test Vue failed, too. NHTSA has received one consumer complaint alleging a rear suspension failure in a Vue.

In a preliminary evaluation, NHTSA typically asks an automaker to provide detailed information about the vehicle and warranty information. The agency weighs the responses before deciding whether to take the investigation to the next level, known as an engineering analysis.

NHTSA spokeswoman Liz Neblett said there was no timetable on deciding whether to upgrade or close the Vue probe.